December 11, 2012

Chuck E. Cheese's to close only Maine store

The restaurant and arcade owner says it could not reach terms on a new lease at the South Portland location, and will look for other locations.

By Jessica Hall jhall@pressherald.com
Staff Writer

SOUTH PORTLAND — Chuck E. Cheese's, the pizza chain catering to families with its arcade games, parties and music, said it would close its South Portland location, its only restaurant in Maine.

The parent of Chuck E. Cheese's, CEC Entertainment Inc., said its lease at Philbrook Avenue in South Portland expired and new lease terms could not be reached. The final day of operations will be Sunday.

CEC Entertainment said it will begin searching for a new location in the area. Its nearest locations to Maine include Newington, N.H., Manchester, N.H., Methuen, Mass. and Danvers, Mass.

"Each Chuck E. Cheese's location is unique and the impact of a store closing affects our guests, customers, families and the surrounding community," said Randy Forsythe, executive vice president and director of operations at CEC Entertainment.

"We are thankful for the dedicated service of our (employees) in South Portland, and we appreciate their support during this transition. We hope to find a new home in South Portland soon," Forsythe said.

Chuck E. Cheese's estimated that about 20 employees, also known as "cast members," would be affected by the closure. The workers were offered job placement assistance within the company and have been given the option to relocate to another store location.

Any guest that has reserved a birthday party or other event at the location can expect to be contacted by the company's guest relations department with further details regarding event rescheduling or refunds.

CEC Entertainment and its franchisees currently operate 562 Chuck E. Cheese's restaurants.

Staff Writer Jessica Hall can be contacted at 791-6316 or at:

jhall@mainetoday.com

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